Where required, the application will also be referred to adjacent and nearby landowners and/or occupiers for comment. The minimum referral timeframe is 14 days, however in some cases, the referral timeframe may be longer (eg 21 days).

Some applications may also require referral to other government authorities.

How Long Does it take to Assess Planning Applications?

The Planning Department has 60 statutory days in which to make a determination on an application for planning approval. If a decision on a development application is not made within the relevant statutory timeframes, an automatic 'Deemed to be refused' notice can be issued. The relevant statutory timeframes can however be extended if the applicant agrees to this in writing, which will allow for the application to continue to be processed.